Do MB dealers typically provide loaners?

**webslinger** · 05-21-2007

Just curious-

If you're going to have the car in for service like an oil change
or "15k" type check ups do they offer a loaner or do you have to ask?

Does it vary by dealer, relationship? I'm talking about bay area, south bay of California (Smythe, Autobahn, Fletcher, etc.)

Curious...

**Ynot** · 05-21-2007

It probably varies from dealers, I know Mercedes of Westminister (aka Glauser0 give out free loaners, even offer to pick your car up at your home and drop off a loaner for you but they are an exception. The other MB dealers doesn't have that kind of service.

**dsb** · 05-21-2007

Von Housen in Sacramento offers free loaners or free rentals from Hertz. I think they cater to the customer based on their vehicle. For example, I always get a C or ML class. However, I do see them ocassionally give out the Hertz rental instead. I don't know if that's for lesser models or just when they run out of the other MB loaners

DansSlk · 05-21-2007

In the UK we are required to supply an MB loner for breakdowns and repair work other than a basic service if the owner requests one.

And it must be of similar spec if somebody arrived in an S we could not give them a smart car loner would need to be something like a C, E or CL.

I know this does not directly help you Doug mate i am just surprised if its not like this in the US also.

Wimbledon_SLK · 05-21-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by DansSlk

In the UK we are required to supply an MB loner for breakdowns and repair work other than a basic service if the owner requests one.

And it must be of similar spec if somebody arrived in an S we could not give them a smart car loner would need to be something like a C, E or CL.

I know this does not directly help you Doug mate i am just surprised if its not like this in the US also.

Sorry ,so in the UK we dont get a curtesy car when we bring the car in for a scheduled service? not nice.. if this is the case.

P

VitaminT · 05-22-2007

I got the impression from my dealer that they had them and were willing to let you have one free of charge but I had to request it at the time of appointment. I got a C230 Sport free of charge with the exception that I have to fill it back up when I dropped the SLK55 off today, but as stated had to request it at the time of appointment. Hmm I think that is a run on sentenence.

**etyu** · 05-22-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by webslinger

Just curious-

If you're going to have the car in for service like an oil change
or "15k" type check ups do they offer a loaner or do you have to ask?

Does it vary by dealer, relationship? I'm talking about bay area, south bay of California (Smythe, Autobahn, Fletcher, etc.)

Curious...

The one I go to in Laguna Niguel offers MB loaner cars if you have an appointment and ask for it at the time you make the appointment. If you just drive-in (without an appointment), then it's based on availability.

Going in at 2 pm generally works, because that's when most loaner cars are being returned.

I generally make an appointment and 90% with the same service advisor, so loaner cars is not a problem. I try to go on my day off so I can "wait" if it's a quick service like oil and filter change. This allows me to browse the other cars in the showroom and chat with the parts people and sometimes get a free research from their parts computer if they're really quiet with no other customers.

NO CAR WASH is requested as I want to do the wash myself and to be sure they don't scratch up the paintwork, plus I get the car much sooner.

DansSlk · 05-22-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wimbledon_SLK

Sorry ,so in the UK we dont get a curtesy car when we bring the car in for a scheduled service? not nice.. if this is the case.

P

No its not quite like that if you ask for a car when you book a service you will get one but it might take a little longer for you to get an appointment you can't say i will be there at 9am in the morning and i want a car its the dealers call when you are booked in so they can get you a car.

If you car arrives on breakdown and you have to be somewhere you can say hey look i gotta be going fix mine this second or i need a car and you are entitled to one there and then.

steve-p · 05-22-2007

I just get the dealer to come and collect the car and bring it back when they are done, which they do for free. I have two others I can use in the meantime.

Wimbledon_SLK · 05-22-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by DansSlk

No its not quite like that if you ask for a car when you book a service you will get one but it might take a little longer for you to get an appointment you can't say i will be there at 9am in the morning and i want a car its the dealers call when you are booked in so they can get you a car.

If you car arrives on breakdown and you have to be somewhere you can say hey look i gotta be going fix mine this second or i need a car and you are entitled to one there and then.

Thanks Dan, I am approaching my second service. I will bear this in mind.

P

**webslinger** · 05-22-2007

interesting feedback so far!

jliu · 06-20-2007

Yes there are mercedes C class, M class, E class for loaners. Talk to your SA and request what you need. It will be provided!

I've gotten them from Autobahn, Smythe, and Fletcher.

If someone tells you some crap like you didn't buy the car here ... just talk to the SA.

Sid · 06-20-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by jliu

Yes there are mercedes C class, M class, E class for loaners. Talk to your SA and request what you need. It will be provided!

I've gotten them from Autobahn, Smythe, and Fletcher.

If someone tells you some crap like you didn't buy the car here ... just talk to the SA.

Just dropped off my car today. Got a 2007 C230 from South Bay Mercedes in CA.

RacerCub68 · 07-09-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by webslinger

Just curious-

If you're going to have the car in for service like an oil change
or "15k" type check ups do they offer a loaner or do you have to ask?

Does it vary by dealer, relationship? I'm talking about bay area, south bay of California (Smythe, Autobahn, Fletcher, etc.)

Curious...

The rule in South Florida is the dealer will only provide you with a loaner if you bought the car there. If you are at a different MB dealer then you bought the car from, they won't do it.

VitaminT · 07-09-2007

Well that sucks.

I am bringing the 55 in for rattles and other items that make it crappy to drive and they are giving me a loaner again so I am glad my dealer is willing to do that. I fill it back up with gas when i'm done and they are happy. Oh well maybe they can fix all the rattles, the sometimes squeeling belt, whining ps pump (or whatever it is), oem windscreen that doesn't "click" in on one side that causes it to squeek with the top down, key surface is cracking on the lock button. What a list. Oh and balance the tires and probably over torque them again. Ok, sorry I vented a bit. I can't imaging why my relationship with my SLK is love/hate.

RacerCub68 · 07-10-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by VitaminT

Well that sucks.

I am bringing the 55 in for rattles and other items that make it crappy to drive and they are giving me a loaner again so I am glad my dealer is willing to do that. I fill it back up with gas when i'm done and they are happy. Oh well maybe they can fix all the rattles, the sometimes squeeling belt, whining ps pump (or whatever it is), oem windscreen that doesn't "click" in on one side that causes it to squeek with the top down, key surface is cracking on the lock button. What a list. Oh and balance the tires and probably over torque them again. Ok, sorry I vented a bit. I can't imaging why my relationship with my SLK is love/hate.

Ugh... That **** don't play for non-Italian cars.

I'm having the same feelings with my car, but they have more to do with the ****ty stock suspension and wanting to have the sport suspension and steering again.

It seems like you guys have more things with the 55's then the 350 / 280 guys do. Is it that you pay more and are supposed to be frustrated more?

coolboarder · 10-10-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by webslinger

Just curious-

If you're going to have the car in for service like an oil change
or "15k" type check ups do they offer a loaner or do you have to ask?

Does it vary by dealer, relationship? I'm talking about bay area, south bay of California (Smythe, Autobahn, Fletcher, etc.)

Curious...

I have 4 cars serviced by Autobahn, it seems you will get a free loaner as long as your car is still under warranty, otherwise you get a shuttle ride. Loaners generally are C and sometimes E and ML, they are Enterprise rentals so you have to replace the gas and Enterprise may get you to buy extra insurance, which I normally decline. But if they run out of Mercedes Benz loaners then they may get some other cars from a different site for you, Enterprise has an office there just for Autobahn customers.

**webslinger** · 10-10-2007

Mercedes Benz Pleasanton has so far provided a loaner (and I have one now) for me. They have been C230's and that's all they have- also from Enterprise on site. I tell the SA I'm coming from the south bay and don't have a way to get back and they have always been quick to provide one.

I'm off to pick up the 55 this afternoon. We'll see if they tweeked the SW I asked them to.

Guess I ended up answering my own question in the end.

-Doug

tai230k · 10-19-2007

Usually all I get are black or beige C240's and C280's. About 7 years ago, The very first loaner I received was a ford focus ZX3 and that was pretty fun to drive.

Nowadays, the only way to get a loaner is if you bought a car from the dealership. If not, then no loaner.

**alroumi** · 10-20-2007

They gave me a new E200K 07 model as a loaner and once a G500 SWB.

05-21-2007	#1 (permalink)
webslinger Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Bay Area, CA Vehicle: '07 SLK55 AMG Other Toys: Honda motorcycle Posts: 549 Country: Thanks: 22 Thanked 22 Times in 14 Posts	Do MB dealers typically provide loaners? Just curious- If you're going to have the car in for service like an oil change or "15k" type check ups do they offer a loaner or do you have to ask? Does it vary by dealer, relationship? I'm talking about bay area, south bay of California (Smythe, Autobahn, Fletcher, etc.) Curious...

05-21-2007	#2 (permalink)
Ynot Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Colorado Vehicle: 06' MBZ SLK Posts: 2,791 Country: Thanks: 135 Thanked 35 Times in 30 Posts	It probably varies from dealers, I know Mercedes of Westminister (aka Glauser0 give out free loaners, even offer to pick your car up at your home and drop off a loaner for you but they are an exception. The other MB dealers doesn't have that kind of service. __________________ 06' SLK 350, Iridium/Ash all pkgs. 6-spd, 19" DCR. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

05-21-2007	#3 (permalink)
dsb Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NorCal Vehicle: '06 slk55 Posts: 1,176 Country: Thanks: 67 Thanked 120 Times in 42 Posts	Von Housen in Sacramento offers free loaners or free rentals from Hertz. I think they cater to the customer based on their vehicle. For example, I always get a C or ML class. However, I do see them ocassionally give out the Hertz rental instead. I don't know if that's for lesser models or just when they run out of the other MB loaners __________________ SOLD! 06 Mercedes Benz SLK55 Caspian Blue / Black & Ash *To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.*

05-21-2007	#4 (permalink)
DansSlk Due For Service Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,748 Country: Thanks: 95 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	In the UK we are required to supply an MB loner for breakdowns and repair work other than a basic service if the owner requests one. And it must be of similar spec if somebody arrived in an S we could not give them a smart car loner would need to be something like a C, E or CL. I know this does not directly help you Doug mate i am just surprised if its not like this in the US also. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

06-20-2007	#12 (permalink)
jliu Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Bay Area, SF Posts: 184 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	loaners Yes there are mercedes C class, M class, E class for loaners. Talk to your SA and request what you need. It will be provided! I've gotten them from Autobahn, Smythe, and Fletcher. If someone tells you some crap like you didn't buy the car here ... just talk to the SA.

05-22-2007	#6 (permalink)
VitaminT Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Alabama Vehicle: 2005 SLK55 Posts: 361 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I got the impression from my dealer that they had them and were willing to let you have one free of charge but I had to request it at the time of appointment. I got a C230 Sport free of charge with the exception that I have to fill it back up when I dropped the SLK55 off today, but as stated had to request it at the time of appointment. Hmm I think that is a run on sentenence.

05-22-2007	#9 (permalink)
steve-p Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Newbury, UK Vehicle: SLK55 AMG Other Toys: '65 Mustang Fastback with 302ci HiPo engine Posts: 188 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I just get the dealer to come and collect the car and bring it back when they are done, which they do for free. I have two others I can use in the meantime.

05-22-2007	#11 (permalink)
webslinger Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Bay Area, CA Vehicle: '07 SLK55 AMG Other Toys: Honda motorcycle Posts: 549 Country: Thanks: 22 Thanked 22 Times in 14 Posts	interesting feedback so far!

07-09-2007	#15 (permalink)
VitaminT Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Alabama Vehicle: 2005 SLK55 Posts: 361 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Well that sucks. I am bringing the 55 in for rattles and other items that make it crappy to drive and they are giving me a loaner again so I am glad my dealer is willing to do that. I fill it back up with gas when i'm done and they are happy. Oh well maybe they can fix all the rattles, the sometimes squeeling belt, whining ps pump (or whatever it is), oem windscreen that doesn't "click" in on one side that causes it to squeek with the top down, key surface is cracking on the lock button. What a list. Oh and balance the tires and probably over torque them again. Ok, sorry I vented a bit. I can't imaging why my relationship with my SLK is love/hate.

10-10-2007	#18 (permalink)
webslinger Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Bay Area, CA Vehicle: '07 SLK55 AMG Other Toys: Honda motorcycle Posts: 549 Country: Thanks: 22 Thanked 22 Times in 14 Posts	Mercedes Benz Pleasanton has so far provided a loaner (and I have one now) for me. They have been C230's and that's all they have- also from Enterprise on site. I tell the SA I'm coming from the south bay and don't have a way to get back and they have always been quick to provide one. I'm off to pick up the 55 this afternoon. We'll see if they tweeked the SW I asked them to. Guess I ended up answering my own question in the end. -Doug

10-19-2007	#19 (permalink)
tai230k SLK World Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: NY Vehicle: SLK 350 Posts: 73 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Usually all I get are black or beige C240's and C280's. About 7 years ago, The very first loaner I received was a ford focus ZX3 and that was pretty fun to drive. Nowadays, the only way to get a loaner is if you bought a car from the dealership. If not, then no loaner.

10-20-2007	#20 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,271 Country: Thanks: 288 Thanked 231 Times in 145 Posts	They gave me a new E200K 07 model as a loaner and once a G500 SWB. __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!